High school football is, for the most part, a HUGE deal in the Mesilla Valley. There are 3 public high schools in Las Cruces - Mayfield, Las Cruces High and Onate (Own-ya-te).
Onate High School - The Black Knights - is the 'new kid in town' - opening in 1993. It is located on Highway 70, east of town in the ever growing area of Sonoma Ranch and the east mesa. This is a 9-12 school with a very strong presence in academics and sports as well.
Although they are not part of the big in town rivalry (Mayfield/Las Cruces High), they have a strong athletic presence in the state thru football, basketball and volleyball.
Onate High School sports Calendar for 2011-2012
Mayfield High School - Home of the Trojans - opened in 1965 and is located in the north part of town on Valley Drive.
The football team has been one of the strongest teams in Las Cruces and the state for many years, winning the state championships.
Academically. Mayfield is a leader in traditional and non-traditional curriculm plans.
Mayfield Sports Calendar for 2011-2012
Las Cruces High School - the Bulldawgs - opened its doors in 1954 and has remained a powerhouse athletically and academically since.
Located in the southern part of town (opposite side from Mayfield) on El Paseo Road, the 'Dawgs have also been a powerhouse when it comes to state championships in football, basketball and other sports.
LCHS Sports Schedule for 2011-2012
Suffice to say that the gloves come off when it's time for the 'Dawgs and Trojans to meet up in football. It is such a tradition that a documentary was made last year, highlighting the rivalry.
Yep - it's that serious!
This game is so big that it is played at Aggie Memorial Stadium instead of the school district's field, The Field of Dreams. On average, you'll find around 25,000 fans in the stands for the game.
Between the 2 schools, there are 10 state championships.
It reminds me of how football is 'done' in the Texas Panhandle - what the TV show "Friday Night Lights" is based on.
It is a SERIOUS rivalry with die hard fans and a stadium packed with red/blue (LC High) and green/gold (Mayfield). I've been to a couple of the games and it is quite an experience to say the least.
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